Penn vs Princeton — US university comparison
KEY DATA
HEAD-TO-HEAD STATISTICS
EXPERT TAKE
Princeton is the more selective of the two (4.6% vs 5.4% acceptance). Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world research ranking (#14 vs #7). Median earnings 10 years after enrollment are effectively tied ($111K vs $110K). Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,686 per year).
Both universities have complete, comparable data in canonical — the choice should come down to fit (campus culture, major, aid package) alongside the differences visible in the numbers below.
Choose Penn for: higher graduate earnings.
Choose Princeton for: a higher world ranking, higher selectivity, a higher graduation rate.
College Council Atlas analysis · IPEDS / College Scorecard CDS 2024-25, ARWU 2024.
BY THE NUMBERS
Princeton is more selective (4.6% vs 5.4% acceptance).
Penn graduates earn a higher median 10 years after enrollment ($111K vs $110K); Princeton has a higher 6-year graduation rate (97.6% vs 96.5%).
Princeton has lower sticker-price tuition ($62,688 vs $68,686); Princeton offers a larger average aid package ($80,837 vs $70,971).
VALUE LANDSCAPE
FULL DATA TABLE
| Metric | Penn | Princeton |
|---|---|---|
| World rank · ARWU | #14 | #7 |
| Rank · THE | — | #4 |
| Acceptance rate | 5.4% | 4.6% |
| Yield rate | 68% | 75.4% |
| Median SAT | 1553 | 1553 |
| Avg. GPA | 3.90 | 4.00 |
| Number of applications | 65,236 | 42,303 |
| International students | 24% | 23% |
| Median earnings · 10 yrs | $111K | $110K |
| Avg. earnings · 10 yrs | $132K | $116K |
| Top 25% earnings · 10 yrs | $183K | $197K |
| Graduation rate | 96.5% | 97.6% |
| Retention rate | 98.8% | 99% |
| Median debt | $15,715 | $10,320 |
| Tuition · year | $68,686 | $62,688 |
| Avg. aid package | $70,971 | $80,837 |
| % of need met | 100% | 100% |
| Avg. graduate debt | $32,558 | $21,251 |
| Application fee | $75 | $75 |
| Enrollment | 24,023 | 9,281 |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it harder to get into Penn or Princeton?
It's harder to get into Princeton. Penn accepts 5.4% of applicants, while Princeton accepts 4.6%.
Do Penn or Princeton graduates earn more?
Earnings are practically equal — 10 years after enrollment, the median is $111K at Penn and $110K at Princeton.
How much is tuition at Penn vs Princeton?
Sticker-price tuition is $68,686 per year at Penn and $62,688 per year at Princeton.
What SAT score do you need for Penn or Princeton?
The median admitted SAT score is 1553 at Penn and 1553 at Princeton; aim for these values or higher to be competitive.
Which university ranks higher — Penn or Princeton?
Princeton ranks higher in the ARWU world ranking: #14 for Penn vs #7 for Princeton.
Which university offers more financial aid — Penn or Princeton?
The average aid package is $70,971 at Penn and $80,837 at Princeton.
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